I can see immediately why this book is so popluar. It is a quick, mindless read; the kind of book that leads you through the story as if you're a child in a maze. When I finished it, however, it left me feeling...indifferent. I really didn't care, and I didn't care that I didn't care. It boasted only mediocrities: fairy sharp characters, ok-ish plot, more than average writing skill, but still fell short. Way short.
I've thought a lot about this. It was enjoyable and enthralling, a book I couldn't put down. It created good imagery and the characters were engaging and relatable. All this, and yet...
I decided that this feeling of indifference is perhaps because it was too microcosmic - there was no "bigger picture" which made it seem not only lacking but selfish. Besides the two main characters, all the people in the book were satellites at best.
Also, the reader is not engaged in the story. There are no mysteries to solve, no villains to worry about (until the last few pages), and no shared emotions. And why should I care about these two kids? I don't. I think they're interesting, but I don't know them- I don't feel a sence of ownership that comes with mutual understanding and trust.
This book has been compared to Harry Potter, but Harry Potter is way out of its league. There were anachronisms, impossible plot lines, and questions left unanswered. However, it was good. It worth reading, and I'll probably read the next two.
4 comments:
okay. that's exactly what i thought about the book too! you like it, but you don't know WHY you like it, because it's the world's dumbest book and it's not even written that well. the next two are just like that too.
I like this review. I know now that this book is exactly what I thought it would be... so even though I still want to read it (so I can know what everyone has been talking about) now I know that I will prob only read it IF I have a ton of time and NOTHING else to read. thanks melissa reviews!
Ooh, you know what book you should read next? Willow (by Wayland Drew, who wrote it based on the screenplay which was written based on a story by George Lucas). And then read O Pioneers! By Willa Cather. And then read Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L'Amour. Then get back to me.
hahaha i have to agree precisely with all that you said! however, i fear that this review so closely resembles my life's review. ahha you know what i mean.
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